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Tile and stone flooring buyers guide

Tile and Stone Flooring Buyers Guide in Stuart, FL 

Here is some information to get you started with your journey shopping for tile flooring 

One of the first types of flooring that comes to mind when upgrading many rooms in the home is floor tile. Tile is a stylish, durable, and easy-to-maintain flooring solution. Tile flooring not only lasts but never goes out of style and positively impacts home value. 

There are a few things to keep in mind when considering replacing an outdated floor with new tile. With the correct installation for the location and the perfect color, style, and types of floor tiles you choose, a tile floor will last for years. It's a good idea to know how to get it right the first time.

The Benefits of Floor Tile

Although not all floor coverings are ideal for every room, tile can be used for any space. Tile flooring can be great for basements, bathrooms, kitchens, dining rooms, and even outside.

Here are a few more benefits of tile flooring: 

  • Waterproof – The tile and mortar installation help prevent moisture damage and will not warp or crack with accidental exposure to water. 
  • Durable - Tile has a strong breaking resistance because of its hard, dense composition, which can withstand significant impact stress and high foot traffic.
  • Scratch and Dent Resistant - Pet paws and dragging furniture won't scratch or dent tile with the right finish, 
  • Stain Resistant - Many glazes produce a glass-like surface that is impervious to both pigment and moisture.
  • Slip-Resistant Surfaces - Thanks to the availability of textured tiles, such as stone-look tile, tile floors don't have to be a hazard on rainy days.
  • Easy to Clean - Dust and dirt can be swept away, and spills easily wiped up with a paper towel. When the floor is properly sealed and protected, no scrubbing or special cleansers are required.
  • Style - When it comes to color and design options, tile flooring has a lot to offer. There are countless materials, finishes, and style combinations to choose from.

Wall Tile vs. Floor Tile

Before selecting tile for a floor, keep in mind that not all tiles are designed to be laid on a floor. Tiles come in various shapes and sizes, ranging from floor tiles to wall tiles to backsplash tiles.

  • Floor tile is thicker and has been tested for impact and stress resistance. It will also feature a textured surface to make walking safer and easier.
  • To lessen the vertical drag on wall installations, wall tile is maintained thin and lightweight, reducing the tile's strength. Because it is more likely to break, most wall tile cannot be utilized on floor installations. 

The Different Types of Tiles

Here are the different styles and materials to choose from with tile and stone flooring. 

  • Ceramic Tile - One of the most durable and popular options for floor tiles is ceramic tile.
  • Porcelain Tile - Porcelain tile is like ceramic tile, but it is made of fine kaolin clay, which makes it a harder, more water-resistant material that is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
  • Natural Stone - Natural stone comes in various colors and textures, including granite, marble, travertine, slate, and limestone.
  • Mosaic Tile - This is a popular choice among interior designers since it comes in a variety of styles and patterns.
  • Marble Tile - To add elegance, this tile is great for a refined, luxurious look.
  • Wood-Look Tile - A wood-look tile is a terrific option when you want hardwood in an area that isn't practical.

Tile Shape and Sized

Tile flooring comes in many shapes and sizes including: 

  • Circles
  • Diamonds
  • Hexagons
  • Octagon
  • Ovals
  • Parallelogram
  • Rectangles
  • Squares
  • Trapezoid
  • Triangles

Standard sizes for tile flooring include:

  • Large format tile - Usually tiles of square or rectangular shape, 15" or larger.
  • Square tile - Usually square tiles, anywhere from 2" to 12" in width.
  • Rectangle tile - The shapes vary, so they may also have different sizes, with tiles anywhere from 1" x 3" in size, up to 4" x 16" plank tiles.
  • Mosaic tiles - Usually tiles 2" or under, whether sold individually or as part of a pre-designed mosaic pattern sheet.

We're Here to help! 

With the seemingly endless tile and stone flooring options, having a professional there to help you choose what's right for your space can be a life saver! Our design professionals at Flooring USA in Stuart can help and have them professionally installed in your home. Contact us today to learn more! 

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